The MdS began in 1986, after Frenchman Patrick Bauer, at the age of 28, set off alone across an uninhabited section of the Sahara carrying a pack weighing 35kg containing all his food and water. He travelled on foot for 12 days and covered 350km. From this experience sprang his idea to set up the challenge which became known as the Marathon des Sables.
“After a year of training in which I've run, jogged, trotted, shuffled, stumbled and trudged 1500-2000 miles I am relieved to be contemplating the start line injury-free ... not so delighted with my starting pack of around 10kg - trying to run with the equivalent of 10 bags of sugar is not fun but I'll look forward to my pack getting lighter as the miles tick by ...”.
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| Debbie's kit weighs around 10kg at the start of the race |
Debbie is raising money for Facing Africa, a charity that funds life-saving surgery for children affected by Noma. Noma is a gangrenous infection of the face, which leads to tissue destruction and ulceration. The progression of the disease can be halted with the use of antibiotics and improved nutrition; however, its physical effects are permanent and require reconstructive plastic surgery to repair. This is why charities like Facing Africa are so important.
“A huge thank you to everyone for your amazingly generous sponsorship - my total is now over £11,000, including the £5000 from Sarsen Technology. This is enough to fund surgery for more than 15 children afflicted with Noma. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for the wonderful support over the past year, so many people in numerous ways have encouraged, advised, teased, questioned, fed and hugged me .. How could I possibly not succeed? ”
We will catch up with Debbie when she returns to the UK to find out how she got on in the equivalent of six regular marathons!
Debbie, the Sarsen Team wish you the best of luck!!
Info is out of this world, I would love to read more.
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